Eric Berne define Transactional Analysis as "a theory of personality and social action, and a clinical method of psychotherapy,

based on the analysis of all possible transactions between two or more people, on the basis of specifically defined ego states into a finite number of established types." (Eric Berne, 1975, "What Do You Say After You Say Hello", London, Corgi.) Berne proposed that anything that happens between two or more people could be broken down into a series of single transactions from a specific ego states. A 'transaction' consisting of a singular stimulus and a single response, verbal or nonverbal from one person to another. It is called a 'transaction' because each party gains something by it and that is why s/he engages in it. Transactional Analysis is, as its names states, an analysis of these transactions. "Any system or approach" Berne asserted, "which is not based on the rigorous analysis of single transactions into their component specific ego states is not transactional analysis." (Eric Berne, 1975, "What Do You Say After You Say Hello", London, Corgi.) Transactional Analysis, therefore, can be use in any field where there is a need for understanding individuals, relationships, communication and systems. For example TA can be used as a system of psychotherapy. The ego states in social interaction can be observed for the individual to understand the structure of his/her personality, which can then be altered to make life changes for that individual. Equally TA can be used to observe the transactions between, say, teacher and pupil, giving insight into where the relationship is lost and how better communication can be achieved that facilitates the teachin

Transactional Analysis is one of the most accessible theories of modern psychology. Transactional Analysis was founded by Eric Berne, and the famous 'parent adult child' theory is still being developed today. Transactional Analysis has wide applications in clinical, therapeutic, organizational and personal development, encompassing communications, management, personality, relationships and behaviour.

The human brain acts like a tape recorder, and whilst we may 'forget' experiences, the brain still has them recorded. Along with events the brain also records the associated feelings, and both feelings and events stay locked together. It is possible for a person to exist in two states simultaneously (because patients replaying hidden events and feelings could talk about them objectively at the same time). Hidden experiences when replayed are vivid, and affect how we feel at the time of replaying.

Some basic vocabulary in TA

Ego States Eric Berne made complex interpersonal transactions understandable when he recognized that the human personality is made up of three "ego states"; each of which is an entire system of thought, feeling, and behavior from which we interact with each other. The Parent, Adult and Child ego states and the interaction between them form the foundation of transactional analysis theory. These concepts have spread into many areas of therapy, education, and consulting as practiced today. Transactions Transactions refer to the communication exchanges between people. Transactional analysts are trained to recognize which ego states people are transacting from and to follow the transactional sequences so they can intervene and improve the quality and effectiveness of communication. Strokes Berne observed that people need strokes, the units of interpersonal recognition, to survive and thrive. Understanding how people give and receive positive and negative strokes and changing unhealthy patterns of stroking are powerful aspects of work in transactional analysis. Games People Play Berne defined certain socially dysfunctional behavioral patterns as "games." These repetitive, devious transactions are intended to obtain strokes but instead they reinforce negative feelings and self-concepts, and mask the direct expression of thoughts and emotions. Berne tagged these games with such instantly recognizable names as "Why Don't You", "Yes, But," "Now I've Got You, You SOB," and "I'm Only Trying to Help You." Life Script Eric Berne proposed that dysfunctional behavior is the result of self-limiting

decisions made in childhood in the interest of survival. Such decisions culminate in what Berne called the "life script," the pre-conscious life plan that governs the way life is lived out. Changing the life script is the aim of transactional analysis psychotherapy. Replacing violent organizational or societal scripting with cooperative non-violent behavior is the aim of other applications of transactional analysis. I'm OK - You're OK "I'm OK - You're OK" is probably the best-known expression of the purpose of transactional analysis: to establish and reinforce the position that recognizes the value and worth of every person. Transactional analysts regard people as basically "OK" and thus capable of change, growth, and healthy interactions. Contracts Transactional analysis practice is based upon mutual contracting for change. Transactional analysts view people as capable of deciding what they want for their lives. Accordingly transactional analysis does its work on a contractual basis between the client and the therapist, educator, or consultant.